The Epiphany of the Lord
This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany (from the Greek word epiphania which means manifestation or showing), the manifestation of God, particularly to the Gentile nations (us). It was God’s initiative to show that, in Jesus, the outsiders and those without hope are reconciled to God too.
Our God who was seen as the exclusive right of a particular people, in his mercy willed that those who dwelt in darkness shall see great light, and thus manifested his eternal plan to extend his Kingdom to the ends of the earth, as we read in today’s psalm.
The Magi’s pilgrimage marks a significant moment in the fulfilment of God’s promises, and the revelation of God’s eternal plan to gather all nations as heirs to his promises. St Paul calls this a revelation of the mystery that, in Christ, pagans now share in God’s promise to Abraham.
We are to be open to God’s manifestation and avoid the Herodian tendency of envy and insecurity, and the closedness of the heart of the scribes and the chief priests. The Magi from the East sought and found God. As the scripture says, if you seek me, you will find me. May we too, with openness of heart, seek and find God who constantly manifests himself to us. Amen
Happy New Year Fr Chinedu
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2024 Parents Meeting
First parents meeting will be on Monday 15th January at 7pm in the Canon Smyth parish centre.
DATES FOR 2024
Ash Wednesday 14th February
Annunciation Monday 8th April
Palm Sunday 24th March
Good Friday 29th March
Easter Sunday 31st March
The Ascension Thursday 9th May
Pentecost Sunday 19th May
Corpus Christi Sunday 2nd June
St Peter & St Paul Thursday 30th June
Assumption of Our Lady Thursday 15th August
All Saints Friday 1st November
All Souls Saturday 2nd November
1st Sunday of Advent 1st December
Christmas Day Wednesday 25th December
Bold entries denote Holydays of Obligation in England and Wales.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised Sunday 4th February 2024 at 4pm in the church.
World Day of Peace
Next week is Peace Sunday. For his theme for the World Day of Peace in 2024, Pope Francis has chosen ‘Artificial Intelligence and Peace’. Whilst this might seem a strangely technical theme, we know that we do need to think about the consequences of the advances in AI for peace and justice.
WESTMINSTER YEAR BOOK 2024
The 2023 edition of the Westminster Year Book is available in the porch, priced £6.00. It gives useful information about parishes, priests, schools and organisations in the Westminster Diocese together with a liturgical calendar for the year.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently: Margaret Mary Johnson her Funeral Mass will take place here at 11.30am. On Wednesday 10th January, also Rebecca Martey, her Funeral Mass will take place here at 1.30pm on Friday 2nd February. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
The Good Counsel Network
“On Friday 12th January, the eve of the 27th anniversary of the founding of The Good Counsel Network, please pray and fast for the end of abortion in this Country. Through God’s grace we have seen thousands of Mothers in our counselling centre continue their pregnancies in very difficult circumstances. Please help us to help save lives with your prayers, fasting and support. www.GoodCounselNetwork.com”
CAFOD
The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, are looking for people to give some time and join them in their mission. Could you help in our parish, inspiring our church to help build a better world or by visiting our local schools? Or raise a voice and campaign for justice or perhaps speak for CAFOD throughout the area? Could you support local volunteers or share your admin or people skills to help CAFOD keep costs low? Training and support is provided. See cafod.org.uk/Volunteer for more information or get in touch with brozycka@cafod.org.uk Or could you take part in The Big Lent Walk? cafod.org.uk/walk
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults usually starts in October, if you know anyone who may want to become a Catholic, invite the person to speak with any of the priests.
Who is RCIA for?
1. Unbaptised adults asking for baptism, confirmation, and communion.
2. Adults baptised in another Christian tradition or candidates asking for reception into full communion in the Church.
3. Baptised Catholics asking for Confirmation and Eucharist
Retrouvaille: A Programme for Couples Struggling in their Marriages
Help Your Marriage – Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue … or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage. Tens of thousands of couples headed for divorce have successfully saved their marriages by attending and using the tools provided. The programme helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. It helps them through difficult times whether they are disillusioned or in deep misery. There is no group therapy or group work. For confidential information about ‘Retrouvaille’ or to register for the next programme commencing with a Virtual weekend on 8 - 11 February 2024 or a Face to Face weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 14-16 June 2024, call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443 or email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com - or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk
MISSIO RED BOXES
Thank you to everyone who brought in their red box. You have raised £653.29.Please pick up your red box from under the table at the back of the church. If your box has your name and address on it, please pick it up from the sacristy. Thank you. The Missio team.
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